Hi! Having just had my dream trip to Costa Rica for theis upcoming Fe. vacation canceled (dont ask)- I've now set my sights on sanibel/captiva which I have always heard were beautiful and laid back. Bonus would be being near spring training! Could anyone PLEASE recommend a number of places to stay on island with 2 children (ages 9 and 13). Wou;d prefer luxury, but can be luxury in the form of condo, resort, etc. I guess time is a real factor by now. Also- I guess Ft. Myers would be a convenient airport from NYC? THANKS SO MUCH!!

We just got back from Sanibel/Captiva on Monday. We stayed on Captiva in a "Beach Villa" at the South Seas Plantation on Captiva. It was not cheap, but it is a really cool place. We were to moms with two 11 year old girls and really had a great time. This resort is literally over a mile long in an old plantation site. Gorgeous beaches and grounds, and more shells on the beach and in the water than you can even imagine. One huge pool area with food and beverage service along with one kids activity in the afternoon, and there are 7 or 8 other smaller more quiet pools also. Our room had a kitchen which was great for breakfast use, and we had 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a huge living room as well as a screened in balcony. Buy bug spray right away, the "no-see-um" bites we got before we bought the bug spray still itch, but the spray works great...they bite you from about 4pm on. A highlight of our trip was a boat ride directly from the resort over to Cabbage Key Island where you can eat a "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and go on a nature hike that is truly beautiful. The added bonus was the dolphins swimming along with the boat on the way to and from the island. We also saw several groups of stingrays while we were out on the boat. Best meals we had were at Island Cow on Sanibel, Green Flash on Captiva, Key Lime on Captiva, and Mermaid Kitchen on Sanibel. Mucky Duck on Captiva is a great place to watch the sunset from their outdoor patio.

Here is a link to the resort website:

http://www2.south-seas-resort.com/index.htm

Here is a link to our photos from the trip which will give you a better idea of the place (there are 2 photo albums here):

http://community.webshots.com/album/96139616fAQtYA

http://community.webshots.com/album/96143566hTKNzQ

When I win the lottery, Captiva Island is where my first home (post-lottery) will be. We have vacationed for many years at the South Seas Resort (formerly the South Seas Plantation.) Sanibel is over-crowded with tourists, it SEEMS less so on Captiva. We were EXTREMELY fortunate to rent a home from a woman whose home was ON THE RESORT grounds. Unfortunately, the home was sold and the new owners keep it for themselves. We stayed many times at the Beach Villas and were always pleased. The price kept going up unreasonably, and that is when I found the private home on the resort (imagine, it was cheaper than the beach villa.) We now check with realtors on Captiva for private rental property. If you stay at the Resort, the northend has the most expensive condos called Lands End. That also is where the golf course, marina, Kings Crown restaurant (suit/tie required) and Cap'n Als restaurant (bathing suit cover-up okay) is located, also the ice cream parlor and the 2-deck touring boat. We were fortunate one morning to watch 4 manatees playing in the marina. On the southend is the Beach Villas, small marina, Chadwick's restaurant (casual elegance) that features fantastic buffets, different one each night. There are ships stores on each end of resort. I have seen vans bringing people from the airport. I dont know if that is a free service, as we never needed it. The trolley system runs the length of the resort, as they prefer you park your car and ride trolley (which is free!). The entire island is conservation-minded and wild animals are respected. No, I have never worked there, but yes I do LOVE Captiva and the Resort.

Carmensb: Do you have the names of realtors I could call for renting privately at South Seas? We're interesred in going in March - 6 adults & 2 children who will be 3 & 18 months.

Lisa,
try www.vrbo.com (vacation rentals by owner) and go to Sanibel/Captiva.
Good luck !